MD/PhD Program

Why an MD/PhD?

MD/PhDs blend the discovery of new knowledge with clinical medicine at the intersection of science and medicine. Most graduates work as physician-scientists at medical schools, conducting disease-related research and applying the results to the treatment of patients. They have a unique perspective on both the basic science and clinical science behind disease. Further information is available at the Association of American Medical Colleges website (aamc.org).

Applicant Information

Students interested in pursuing dual degrees should indicate this on their AMCAS application. A separate MD/PhD admissions subcommittee, consisting of members of the medical school and BMS graduate admission committees, will review the applications and decide which applicants to invite for interviews. The MD/PhD admission subcommittee will utilize criteria below in its decision making process.

As a state-assisted medical school, Marshall gives primary preference to West Virginia residents. However, well-qualified nonresidents from states adjoining West Virginia, nonresidents who have strong ties to West Virginia or students who are introduced to our school through our out-of-state recruitment pipeline and outreach programs are eligible for consideration. Regardless of their state of residency, applicants are considered only if they are U.S. citizens or have permanent resident visas.

Preference will be given to those with a proven research track record as demonstrated by authorship in peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals.

Preference will be given to those with higher BCPM GPA (below 3.4 will not be considered).

Consideration will be given to those graduating from undergraduate institutions with proven research excellence as reflected by NIH funding for research.

Consideration will be given to those with productive hands-on research experience outside of class work as reflected by publications, fellowships or grants for said research experience.

MCAT score of 500 or better is preferred. However, students who meet ALL of the above criteria with MCAT scores below 500 will be considered on a case by case basis.

All students for admission must have had successful interviews as judged by the admissions committee.

If selected for admission to the MD/PhD program, candidates will be recommended to the SOM admission committee for final approval. Students who already hold a PhD or ScD are ineligible to apply to the MD/PhD program.

Interview Criteria

All applicants must take the MCAT. A score of 505 or better on the new MCAT is preferred for consideration for admission. A score of 30 or better on the former MCAT is preferred for consideration for admission. An MCAT score of 500 or 28 will be considered if the applicant has extensive research experience (e.g., co-authorship in publications in peer reviewed journals.)

Applicants must demonstrate quality research outside of classes at the undergraduate or post-baccalaureate level (e.g., published abstracts for scientific meetings and/or publications.)

Applicants must present a genuine interest in pursuing a career as a physician-scientist.

Applicants applying as first-year medical students at Marshall must have a GPA of 3.4 or better.

All required prerequisites must be completed at an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada and must be passed with a grade of "C" or better by June 15 of the year of matriculation.

AMCAS applications must be submitted by November 1. Supplemental applications must be received by December 15, and all references and supporting documentation should be received by December 15. Applications receiving references and/or supporting documentation after the December 15 supplemental application deadline may be reviewed; those applicants will be considered for a position on a waiting list. Admission decisions are made by January 31.

Description of Program

The curriculum takes seven to eight years to complete. Students first take years one and two of medical school. During that time, they complete research lab rotations. After passing the Step 1 exam at the end of year two, students begin their PhD coursework and research. This takes three to four years. After completing the PhD requirements, students then complete years three and four of medical school.
Students in this program will be involved in course work, research activities and clinical training for the entire calendar year for the duration of the program. While the first year of medical school begins in August, the MD/PhD program begins the first week of July with orientation followed by a month-long research lab rotation. Students are also required to submit an MD/PhD fellowship application before the end of the third year of the program.
Two applicants will be admitted each academic year; the admission cycle follows that of the traditional MD program.
Applicants who are admitted to the MD/PhD program will earn the following:

A tuition waiver for the entire length of the program

A yearly stipend equivalent to the PhD student stipend (currently $25,000) for all years of the program. The stipend and tuition are considered in-house, no interest educational loans that will be forgiven by completion of the MD/PhD dual degree program. If a student chooses to leave the MD/PhD program, he/she will have to reimburse the School of Medicine for the stipend and tuition benefits received.